Ruth Ann Swaim

Ruth Ann Swaim was born May 6, 1946, in Enid, Oklahoma to Cecil and Geraldine (Krebs) Pinkerton. She went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the age of 78.

Ruth Ann was a resident of the Watonga community most of her life. She began attending school at Omega, OK, and later transferred to Watonga her sophomore year and graduated in 1964. After graduating from high school, Ruth Ann attended college at Oklahoma State University. After attending two years of college, she married her husband, Robert Alvin Swaim of Okeene, OK. They were married August 20, 1966, at the Watonga First United Methodist Church. They made their home in Wichita, KS, where Robert was employed as an aircraft engineer. While living in Wichita, Ruth Ann completed her college degree at Wichita State University obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. While in Wichita, KS, she had her son, Richard. They later moved to Norman, OK, and Oklahoma City, OK, and added two daughters to their family, Rachelle and Rebecca (Becky). They moved back to Watonga, OK, in 1973. When her three children were school age, Ruth Ann decided to return to her teaching career. She taught Head Start for two years in Watonga and then started teaching 3rd grade at Watonga Public Schools. She furthered her education by obtaining her Master’s Degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Ruth Ann would teach 3rd grade students in Watonga for a total of 28 years before she would retire. Ruth Ann was glad she chose to be an elementary teacher because she found real joy in seeing her students succeed, not only academically, but in life. She truly believed a teacher can make a difference in students’ lives. Her teaching impacted hundreds of students over the years. Many of her former students spoke highly of their favorite teacher, Mrs. Swaim. Ruth Ann had many wonderful memories of her fellow teachers and students from teaching at the Watonga Elementary School.

After retiring from teaching in 2006, she enjoyed helping Robert on the farm and especially enjoyed spending time traveling with her children and going to events of her beloved grandchildren, Kallie, Kaycie, Kambrie, Camden and Caton. She enjoyed attending numerous activities of her grandchildren including: band concerts, dance recitals, ball games, track meets, 4-H events, and musical performances. She never wanted to miss any event, including seeing her granddaughters perform in Nashville, TN.

Ruth Ann became a Christian at a young age. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watonga, Blaine County Retired Teachers, Beta Sigma Phi, and The Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also awarded as The Watonga Teacher of the Year and Blaine County 4-H Leader of the Year.

Ruth Ann is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert Swaim of Watonga, OK. Her son, Richard and his wife, Timmie Dee, of Weatherford, OK; daughter Rachelle Swaim of Forney, TX; and daughter Rebecca (Becky) Cope and her husband, John, of Watonga, OK; five grandchildren: Kallie, Kaycie and and Kambrie Swaim of Weatherford, OK; and Camden and Caton Cope of Watonga, OK. She was preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Geraldine Pinkerton.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Watonga First United Methodist Church.

Funeral services for Ruth Ann Swaim will be held Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Watonga with Pastor Dianna Matli officiating. Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Watonga. Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga in charge of arrangements.